Water fees could go up

Although they are consuming less water, residents soon may have to pay 20 percent more for it.

City-hired consultants are recommending that increase for 2008, followed by a 3 percent increase in 2009. It would help offset the city's loss of revenue this year because of the drought, along with major improvements to sewer and water facilities, city officials said.

For the typical homeowner who consumes about 7,000 gallons of water a month, the cost of water/sewer fees would go from $58 a month to about $65 next year and about $70 in 2009, said Horacio Montes de Oca, finance director for the city.

"The reality is that it's costing more for water," said Mayor Debby Eisinger. "Throughout South Florida there have been increases. We have been trying to hold the line."

Commissioner John Sims said he was surprised to learn about the needed increase.

"I just don't get this," he said. "Throughout the budget process everything was fine. I was told our infrastructure was good. Now we find out it really isn't so."

The city raised its sewer and water fee by about 7 percent in 2006 and did not propose an increase during the budget process this year.

Montes de Oca said because of the drought, the city didn't collect as much as expected. Also, he said, the wells are equipped to draw from the Biscayne Aquifer, but under new South Florida Water Management District standards, the city must upgrade its wells so it can draw water from another, deeper aquifer, the Floridan.

"It's more expensive to go to the Floridan Aquifer," Montes de Oca said.

Officials said a decision on the proposed increase must be made in the first quarter of next year.

Commissioners asked their consultants to look at other ways to divvy up the fee. One option is a tiered system in which those who consume more pay a higher rate.

Commissioner Elliot Kleiman said he wants to look into other alternatives, such as leasing a water plant if it's less expensive than maintaining their own.

"We have to find a better way," he said.

Georgia East can be reached at geast@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7921.